2 February 2010

Today I am celebrating my third year of blogging. More Than Burnt Toast has come a long way since its birth February 2nd three years ago. It started off as an avenue to record my recipes for L'il Burnt Toast who was attending university. I had visited a few blogs over the years but was drawn in through a friends daughter who had a diary blog while teaching in London and I felt I could make it work for my hobby too. My first posts had photos of places I had visited with no food photography at all. For shame. I had just returned from a 5 week sojourn in Greece and wanted to share some recipes I had learned while on Kea. A wise blogger suggested that photos might have people coming back...I was hooked. Since I began writing these pages I have discovered an entire community of generous and caring food bloggers which is continually growing!!!!!

What began as a hobby has become a full time obsession and has changed my life in many positive ways. As time goes on I have discovered more of your wonderful blogs until my Google Reader is overflowing. Unbelievably you have also found me. If I haven't found you yet feel free to comment and I am sure to visit. I’ve met some of the coolest people ever through my blog and am blessed to consider many of you my friends!

In the past year some amazing opportunities have come my way. Through blogging I met Giz, one half of the mother/daughter team at Equal Opportunity Kitchen and we created BloggerAid-Changing the Face of Famine.Over the course of a year we created a cookbook with the volunteer help of over 130 bloggers the world over who rose to the challenge to raise money for the School Meals Programme. I attended the very first BlogHer Food conference in San Francisco and on a panel of my peers had my very first speaking engagement. In November I flew down to San Francisco again and joined the Buzz at the first Foodbuzz Festival for my second visit to San Francisco and sat at a table with over 250 bloggers at my long awaited Outstanding in the Field dinner!!!!Through it all I have met many of you and enjoyed your company. What is really cool is that I continue to learn and grow on a daily basis with this little blog. I truly thank you for being a part of my life and guiding me through the exciting culinary world. I am humbled every day to wake up to new comments by you and to visit each and every one of you for innovative and fresh ideas, so thank you!

So when there is something to celebrate I want you right there by my side cheering right along with me as you always do. For our celebration I have made a cheesy pizza to share with all of you. Grab a slice and celebrate who we are with our "camera happy" and supportive ways. Use your favourite pizza dough or do as I do and purchase your dough from your local pizzeria. For our special treat I made some garlicky homemade sausage. It's as bold as the name implies. Use some of the sausage now and freeze the rest for a quick pizza later. I also added some mild cappiocoli and pepperoni for a meat lovers DREAM!!!!! This is healthy food that doesn't taste like your keyboard. Enjoy and see you tomorrow as we continue to grow together:D

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain. Use as a topping for your pizza!!!!

NOTE: The sausage can be frozen in zip-top plastic bags for up to 3 months.

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

Congratulations, Val, on your third blogging birthday. That's almost an eternity in blogger years. It's amazing how this journey can change our lives. I'm looking forward to all your wonderful posts that will be coming in the year ahead.

Happy birthday, I've learned so much, since I'm blogging,I love to bake and share the cakes with family and friens, I also meet wonderful people, keep blogging I promise I'll be here readingCongratulationslolAmalia

mmmmh! the pizza was wonderful! thanks for sharing it with me. Happy blogbirthday, i can't believe mine will be turning 6 already... i hope i won't forget it, like i did with my anniversary recently ;-(

Happy 3rd Blogiversary!! Such a beautiful occasion! Thank you for the continued gift of your wise and uplifting words, your generous and kind heart, and your incredibly gorgeous recipes! (such as these heavenly sausages... Oh my... :-)

Happy Blogiversary Val!!! Can't believe it has been that long! I am thrilled to have shared this journey with you - and have had the privilege of getting to meet you and spend time with you this year! Congrats to you for all your success!

Happy birthday Val. Three years is a major commitment in today's world of blogging where people drop out frequently. I'm so glad you continued because I really enjoy your blog.

You and Giz have done so much to help hunger and I'm so proud for both of you. I have my cookbook and it's great. I'm pleased to be a part of it and thank you both for your hard work. I realize what a major commitment it has been. Bless you both.Sam

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 9 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.